Where can you still find truly untouched nature today? Almost everywhere has been changed, used, or redesigned by humans. Of course, that doesn’t mean that these places aren’t idyllic and picturesque – from the “lagoon village” to Brandenburg’s oldest spa town to the most symmetrical village in the state. But even in the midst of these beautiful landscapes, human activity has left its mark. At the same time, Brandenburg has some special retreats of unspoiled nature – including the Nonnenfließ, one of the most ecologically valuable watercourses in the region. And today we would like to introduce you to a very special spot of almost untouched wilderness: the Grumsin beech forest in the Uckermark, about 80 kilometers northeast of Berlin and around 10 kilometers from Angermünde. The area is part of the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve and is one of Brandenburg’s most impressive natural experiences.
Photo: @schorfheide_de (Instagram)
Since 2011 , the Grumsiner Forest has been part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site “Ancient Beech Forests of Europe.” It is one of the last large, almost untouched red beech forests in Central Europe. Here, you can see how the landscape developed after the last ice age – long before intensive forestry began. Particularly impressive is the 590-hectare core area with red beeches over 200 years old. No logging takes place in the core area; natural decay and regeneration occur without human intervention. Moors, small lakes, and hills formed during the Ice Age characterize the landscape. Fallen trees remain where they fall, dead wood is not removed, and creates valuable habitat for rare species. It is precisely this seemingly “unmanaged” appearance that makes the forest so ecologically significant.
The reason for its largely untouched state lies in its history: the forest was preserved primarily because it served as a hunting ground for the Prussian kings for centuries. Later, it was integrated into large-scale protected areas and thus spared from intensive forestry use.
Photo: @unser.brandenburg
(Instagram)
The forest is home to numerous protected species, including white-tailed eagles, black storks, otters, various bat species, and rare beetles. In spring, wood anemones transform the forest floor into a sea of white flowers. The high proportion of old and dead wood is particularly significant – a crucial habitat that is hardly to be found in commercial forests anymore.
Important to know: The actual core area of the Grumsin beech forest is off-limits. However, there are designated hiking trails around the protected area, for example near Altkünkendorf or Grumsin. Round trips between 6 and 12 kilometers are popular and offer fascinating insights into this special forest landscape.